The city needed a wellhead protection area for each of the two new city wells. One well is located east of the Morningside Addition, and the second well is south of Highway 55.
The city submitted a land acquisition grant to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to help cover the cost. The total amount for the land purchase was for $113,565. The city requested a grant for $56,782. The city will pay $56,782 toward the total cost and the MPCA will cover the other half of the expense.
Ron Mergen, public works director, informed the council it should take about two weeks before the city receives its check from MPCA.
New emergency
services director
Bill Drager submitted his resignation as Paynesville's emergency services director effective the first of the year. He recommended Dennis Nacey to be his replacement. Drager has held the position since retiring as Paynesville's police chief in May 1997.
Nacey assumed his new duties on Jan. 1, 2001. Nacey has been a storm spotter for several years and has attended several weather seminars to learn more about tornados. Nacey is also an assistant chief with the Paynesville Fire Department.
Drager will be working with Nacey during a transition period.
Other business
•The council approved renewing its contract with Mid-Minnesota Develop-ment Commission for building inspec-tion services for 2001. Their fees are: $42, monthly retainer fee; $42 per hour, inspections and plan review; and $21 per hour for secretarial assistance.
The council tabled action on a new building permit fee schedule.
•The council approved cigarette licenses to the following businesses for 2001: Corner Drug, H&L Express, Casey's General Store, G&T Foods, Joel's Jack and Jill, Paynesville Farmers Union Co-op, Paynesville Municipal Off-Sale, Jim's Standard Service, Paynesville American Legion Post 271, Koronis Lanes, and Queen Bee's Bar and Grill.
•The council approved liquor licenses for Queen Bee's Bar and Grill and Paynesville American Legion Post 271.